New EV training facilities for clean energy jobs in the Sunshine State
Queenslanders looking to play their part in Australia’s transition to renewable energy will now benefit from cutting-edge training opportunities with the opening of two new electric vehicle skills training facilities in Brisbane and Townsville.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles and Member for Moreton Julie-Ann Campbell today launched electric vehicle training simulators and equipment for two TAFE Queensland campuses that have been funded through the Albanese Labor Government’s TAFE Technology Fund.
Acacia Ridge TAFE campus in Brisbane received $1.8 million for the project on their campus, while the Bohle Trade Training Centre in Townsville received $1.2 million under the federal government fund.
More than 400 students a year will now benefit from the facilities focusing on electric vehicle technology and maintenance, enabling Queenslanders to continue playing their part in making the most of the new skills and new careers in clean energy.
The $50 million TAFE Technology Fund is providing $8.8 million to support TAFEs in Queensland to upgrade and expand facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and IT services.
This new investment for Queensland sits alongside the Albanese Government’s significant investment into boosting homegrown skills and training opportunities right across the state.
Since 2023, the Government has invested $170 million in Free TAFE in Queensland and will invest a further $34 million in 2026, with Queensland recently marking 131,000 Free TAFE course enrolments.
The Government’s Key Apprenticeship Program is also seeing significant uptake across Queensland, with the New Energy Apprenticeships stream seeing Queensland leading the country with 5,114 apprenticeship commencements in solar, automotive, smart technology and other clean energy fields.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“We’re expanding access to modern TAFE training facilities, enabling Australians to build new skills and set themselves up for a great career.
“Queenslanders are showing keen interest in driving our nation’s take up of renewable energy – including in electric vehicles – and having the expertise to make the most of this transition is a key part of keeping this momentum going.
“This is the Albanese Labor Government in action – putting our TAFEs back at the centre of Australia’s vocational education and training system, and ensuring communities across Australia share in the benefits.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Moreton, Julie-Ann Campbell:
“The delivery of this state of the art electric vehicle training facility in Acacia Ridge is great news for people across the Southside.
“It means local students can benefit from the very latest in training technology that equips them with expertise to make a lifelong contribution to the electric vehicle industry.
“Through projects like this, Free TAFE and the Key Apprenticeship Program, I’m proud to be part of a Government that’s delivering cost of living support for our community that backs more locals into education and training.”
ENDS